Breathing 201, A Better Form of Meditation, and What Wisdom Actually Is
Published May 26, 2025
Reading Time: 2 min 6 sec
I hope the next 25’ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day.
4 THOUGHTS
1. Breathing 201: The Nose-Brain Link
Nasal airflow stimulates the olfactory bulb, which is not only associated with smell but also regulates brain rhythms.
The olfactory bulb can directly communicate with the amygdala, hippocampus, and other brain regions involved in emotion, memory, and cognitive function.
Thus, nasal breathing—especially if it’s slow and rhythmic—can help to synchronize brainwaves across these regions, which can aid in emotional and cognitive functioning.
P.S. Note that this is simplified and there are several other pathways working simultaneously: cerebrospinal fluid flow and brain blood flow are being impacted, heart-brain connections may be amplified, among others. But this a good general idea of the nose-brain connection.
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Nose vs. Vagus, Meditation for a Meaningful Life, and Trust Brings Calm
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Breath-Body-Brain, Easily Plant Trees, and the Heroic Heart
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